Relief Measures For Baker’s Cyst

14 July, 2009 No Comment

A swelling at the back of the knee that protrudes in a balloon like shape is called Baker’s cyst in medical terminology. It may be the result of an injury to the knee. But, the most common cause is the inflammation of a bursa or a fluid pouch that is located at the back of the knee.

Symptoms
At times this bulging at the back of the knee may go unnoticed. In that state the disorder doesn’t cause much pain. Fortunately, a Baker’s Cyst is not harmful and would generally disappear on its own after a couple of days without leaving any traces of its having been there.

Nevertheless, in some rare cases it may get prolonged and thus cause pain and discomfort. Under such circumstances it needs to be investigated to learn the cause of this malady.

By itself it may not be a disease but symptomatic of some other disease. That’s why further investigation is needed. In the first place try to recall and check if you have been injured in the not too distant past or a blow that might have hurt the knee.

If there were no such injury or a blow and the Baker’s Cyst continues to prolong beyond a fortnight or so, it is time to seek medical advice.

Relief Measures.
In the meantime, continue with the application of a cold icepack. Without any adverse effects, it would give you relief from the pain and the discomfort that it causes.

Simultaneously keep bending your knee from time to time. If you find the pain to be bearable you should go for regular walks for as long as it doesn’t hurt. You’ll definitely find it helpful for a speedier recovery. Just keep it mind not to strain yourself too much as this might contribute to aggravating the situation.

If you do not find walking to be comfortable follow some other practice to exercise you knee. For instance you can seat yourself on a chair and then slowly move your leg, giving it forward and reverse motion and then gradually try bending it.

Over a period of time it won’t hurt that much and you’ll begin to feel better. Movement of the knee and the leg is of utmost importance, as it would help dispersal of the collected fluid and saves you from further trauma. It is not advisable to ignore the problem if it has been around for a long time.